A Race on Limited Fitness and A GOAL ...

Annie, Elizabeth, Bobby, Dave, Jenn, and me will be running the GE Run Thru the Woods 5 mile race for the 4th consecutive year. I have set a PR in each of the previous 3 years and can guarantee that minor streak will end on Thursday morning.

Ever since being recovered from the Epstein Barr Virus it has been quite the battle trying to rebuild fitness. The virus attacked my immune system and in doing so decimated my cardiovascular system. It was bad. After getting a clean bill of health from my doctor the meat-head in me figured I'd pick up right where I left off only losing a little of the Ironman fitness. Those of you that have suffered through viral infections are probably chucking right now because you are well aware that is just not the case.

What used to be an extremely easy pace now feels like a Lactate Threshold run and this dramatic loss of fitness has been quite difficult to wrap my head around. The reality is that I am now slow. Basically back to square one in the aerobic building machine department.

So, I really have only one option for the foreseeable future - Bust Ass and Rebuild.

However, I am one that likes accountability so a clear, definable goal is needed: 1 Hour PR (10:59) @ Ironman Florida.

And at the least it should be interesting for y'all to follow along and see how this little journey ends up.Have any of you ever been in a similar situation? How did you cope?
Thanks for Reading,

29 comments:

Remember that 'busting ass' is relative and don't go trying to bust your old ass just yet or you'll wind up sick or injured.

I was injured for a really long time. Not just a year. And I've been spending the last year or so trying to recover from a series of debilitating ailments. I coped badly by trying to do too much too soon. And now I see the error of my ways and preach about it to others ;-) And...I am far more patient and thoughtful in my training...and...it's paying off. Wishing you the very best!

Ten weeks of bedrest during my first pg and then limited activity the last three weeks (after removed from bedrest, before he came out kicking and screaming) - and I would get winded walking down the hallway from the bedroom to the living room. It sucked.

Rock this shit out of that goal! Hang with the roadies all spring and you will build some serious bike fitness. Then just use your Pfitz knowledge to add in some running fitness and you will kick ass in IMFL.

I doubt you are starting over, but make from going from wherever you are now to where you need to go fun. It's cool to relive the milestones you made the first time around - faster and faster 1M, 5K and 10K splits, long runs getting longer, whatever. Ditto on the bike and swim per the applicable baseline. My guess is that you'll make the rebound really fast so the next couple of months will be filled with noticeable daily improvements.

You are and always have been a rock star because of your attitude to push through and not give up. Like you, I am being forced to learn patience in this recovery. Some days it feels like I'm moving backwards. I'm cheering for you! Hang in there Jeff!

While everyone else seems to be telling you to find a drug dealer, I think that you've just got yourself some solid motivation to get back to that quickness that you had last year. Or, you could just buy some drugs. :)

This is so ironic! Have a look at the post I just did. I've been battling with a virus and it really runs me down. I've missed many races over the years because of it. The only way back is to put your head down and train regularly. Stick to the plan is what worked(s) for me.

I love this weekend, too. So looking forward to a long stretch of relaxation.

I know where you are only in that I've had a long, upward climb this year coming back from injury. Take it easy and build that base first, then add the speed in second. It will come back, but don't be surprised to find yourself a bit frustrated on occasion. I'm just glad you can get back at it!

I've not followed your blog for too long, but looks like I fell in at the right time. Some one getting back into it. I hope that things come together for you. have fun this week, as for sure, I know I will.

Heya! I'm at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!Stop by my blognumerology calculator

Sucks to rebuild, but I think that you end up having more of a fire under your ass when you have to.

Also, IMFL 1 HR PR - totally doable! That course is flatter than a turd! I think from what I saw, the swim was pretty tough depending on waves and jellyfish, but the run and bike are both pretty darn flat.

New to your blog and love it! Busting ass and rebuilding is what I strive for too. I have been diagnosed with Lyme twice and each time have been in the middle of intense training. Coming back from it is frustrating, but you just listen to your body have patience and take each day. My grandfather used to say "It's a great life if you don't weaken." Have fun rebuilding!

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